Amazon Expands Collectibles with Launch of Coin Store

Collectors can now turn to Amazon.com to buy collectible coins with the launch of a new collectibles store on Wednesday. Featured on the Amazon Collectible Coins Store homepage are coins ranging from an 1882 Morgan dollar listed for $105 to an 1893 Barber half dollar listed for $8.9 thousand (with free shipping). The most expensive coin listed, according to Amazon, is the 1907 No Mint Mark Saint Gaudens Ultra High Relief Pattern for $3.7 million.

The new store joins Amazon’s other “Collectibles & Fine Art” categories: Sports Collectibles (launched in 2012); and Entertainment Collectibles and Fine Art (both launched last year). Amazon also sells wine to customers in certain states through its Wine Store.

Amazon spokesperson Erik Fairleigh told EcommerceBytes the new Collectible Coins Store was inspired by customer demand, explaining that “coins” has been a top keyword search by customers. The new store is kicking off by featuring rare coins from the Saddle Ridge Hoard, recently found by a California family, in what Fairleigh said was an exclusive deal.

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“In 2013, Marketplace sellers sold more than a billion units worldwide on Amazon,” Fairleigh said. “The launch of the Collectible Coins store is the latest category introduced specifically for sellers.”

“Amazon continues to invest in the growth of selling on Amazon as Marketplace Sellers represent approximately 40 percent of the total units sold on Amazon,” he added.

The new store launched with only 75 or so dealers. As with Amazon’s other collectibles categories, including Books, Sports & Entertainment and Wine, Amazon is requiring sellers to apply before being able to sell. “We have not set limits and welcome all interested sellers to apply and contact us for more details,” Fairleigh told EcommerceBytes. “We evaluate all potential sellers on a case by case basis. At launch, we are working with primarily professional coin dealers. ”